The Battle

Flesh vs Spirit

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18

There is this never-ending battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The tension has always been there, but for me, it seems as though lately, it has intensified. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has made it clearer and God has given me the power to live according to The Spirit.

(At least most times. I try……. But I struggle :), hence why it’s called a battle.)

Being in different seasons of life, we face different situations, but no matter what situation we face, God is always trying to shape us and mold us into who he has called us to be. During that molding, there is a battle going on within. A spiritual battle. A tug of war between the flesh and spirit. When you think of a physical battle or war, what is happening? Two parties are fighting over what they believe is right or what they believe should be theirs. The same is true when our flesh and spirit are battling for our mind. And when our mind is won, our actions will follow suit.

The flesh tells us to do whatever pleases us, the Spirit tells us to do whatever pleases The Lord.

We know that the flesh is temporary and as people, we are always tempted to value and place emphasis on temporary satisfactions and cravings. We value whatever satisfies us in that current moment. This is why we struggle when it comes to sticking to our long-term goals. We want the goals but it’s the “long” part that we struggle with. The urge for immediate gratification takes over.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:19-26

Because we are born of flesh, we naturally gravitate towards idolatry, hatred, selfish ambition, and impurity. But when we are led by the spirit, we will begin to produce fruit such as peace, kindness, love and self-control. But get this; it says “led”. This means that we cannot do it on our own! I don’t know about you, but that is such a relief.  Something I must constantly remind myself.  When we try to do it in our own strength we fail, but that’s because we need the help of the Holy Spirit. If you are anything like me, sometimes the weight and culture of the world will draw you into dark places (we all have our weaknesses!) Even when you know it’s not the right thing to do, you just want to, BUT when walking with the Spirit, we begin to notice a change. We no longer follow the promptings of the flesh because we are called to something greater. We begin to think long-term and stop to think before we act.

When we are led by something, we listen to it, we look up to it, we treasure it, and we follow it. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we allow it to change us. We no longer let the flesh have its way, but instead we give full authority to the Spirit. We remember that it’s not all about us, but instead about our Heavenly Father. It doesn’t always feel good, but it is necessary in our walk with Christ. It’s what nourishes our relationship with Him. It’s a part of that molding.

Part of our charge as followers of Christ is to deny ourselves and take up the cross daily. Luke 9:23 Taking up the cross daily is a must when walking with the Spirit. I always know when my relationship with God is lacking, because my thoughts and actions are more of the flesh.

In any battle, there will be weapons, a game plan, and support. You wear special equipment to protect yourself, you have a game plan to bring home the victory, and support to assist you throughout the battle. We need the same things in order to overcome our fleshly/sinful desires. Our weapon is prayer, our game plan is the Word of God, and our support is the Holy Spirit.

So don’t get caught slipping! Don’t let the enemy catch you off guard! Be careful not to allow fleshly desires to give birth to sin. For we know sin leads to death but we have been given life in Christ. We have the victory.🏆 The battle requires our active participation (as scripture tells us to “keep in step” with the Spirit) Matthew 26:41 says Watch and Pray that you do not fall into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  

And in those moments when the flesh wins, because it does happen, ask for forgiveness and keep going! Don’t beat yourself up about it, just put a plan in place to keep you on track!

In what ways do you see the fruit of the Spirit in your life? In what areas is the flesh taking the lead? How are you keeping in step with the Spirit?

This week, I pray this pray over us:

Thank you, Father, for giving us the Holy Spirit. Thank you for giving us the power we need to overcome the temptations of the flesh. We know that apart from you, it is impossible to be who you have called us to be. Because of your never-ending love for us, we have been given the power to turn from our flesh and say yes to the Spirit. I ask for continued grace as we actively continue in the battle of the flesh and spirit. Thank you for showing your strength through our weaknesses.I pray thatin those moments where the temptation is great, we will lean into your reminder that you are with us always.

Amen.